Migration Vocabulary
What is an international migrant?
A person who moves to another country to live temporarily or permanently.
Approximately what percentage of the world's population were international migrants in 2020?
3.5%
Mexico plays three different roles in international migration. What are they?
Country of origin, transit and destination.
What is the main geographical direction of economic migration across the Mediterranean?
From North Africa towards southern Europe (South–North migration).
What is the main economic reason Persian Gulf countries attract so many international migrants?
Their economic development creates a strong demand for foreign workers.
What is a migration flow?
The movement of people between geographical areas.
What does South–South migration mean?
Migration between countries of the Global South.
What type of extreme weather event left many people homeless in Central America in 2020?
Hurricanes (Eta and Iota)
Give two economic or demographic differences between Europe and the Maghreb that help explain migration.
Europe generally has higher wages and an ageing population; the Maghreb has higher unemployment and a younger population.
Name three countries of origin of migrant workers in the Persian Gulf.
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Sri Lanka or others shown in the lesson.
What are remittances?
Money sent by migrants to relatives in their home country.
How many international migrants were there worldwide in 2020, compared with 2000?
281 million in 2020, compared with 175 million in 2000.
Name three Central American countries whose migrants frequently travel through Mexico towards the USA.
Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.
Why is it inaccurate to say that African migrants in France only perform low-skilled work?
African migrants also work in skilled professions, including teaching, medicine, engineering and management.
Approximately what percentage of the population of the United Arab Emirates is foreign?
90%
What is a diaspora?
A population dispersed across different parts of the world from its original homeland.
Give two reasons why migrants often move to neighbouring countries rather than distant ones.
Lower travel costs, geographical proximity, cultural or linguistic connections.
Identify two obstacles migrants face when travelling through Mexico and two obstacles at the US border.
Mexico: dangerous transport, hunger, crime or extortion. Border: walls, fences, surveillance and controlled crossings.
Describe two difficulties Ime experienced during her migration journey from Nigeria towards Europe.
The desert crossing, exhausting conditions, a boat breaking down, interception at sea, or having to work to pay for another crossing.
Why do many workers in Persian Gulf countries migrate without their families and stay only temporarily?
Their residence often depends on temporary employment contracts, and family settlement is restricted or difficult.
What does the term irregular migrant mean?
A migrant who does not have the required legal authorisation to enter or stay in a country.
Explain why it is incorrect to say that most international migration is from poor countries towards rich countries.
Around 40% of migration flows occur between countries of the Global South. Migration also takes place between developed countries.
Explain why Mexico can be considered both a country of departure and a country of arrival for migrants.
Mexicans leave for the USA seeking opportunities, while Central Americans arrive in Mexico, sometimes to settle and sometimes to continue their journey north.
Why do less wealthy migrants often face greater dangers when travelling from Africa to Europe?
They may lack the money and legal documents needed for safer travel, forcing them to rely on smugglers, dangerous land routes and overcrowded boats.
Explain one positive and one negative consequence of migration to the Persian Gulf for migrant workers
Positive: higher earnings, money sent home, or skills gained. Negative: dangerous working conditions, long hours, or limited workers' rights.